Controversy Erupts at Unity Temple in Kansas City Over Former Minister's Role
He led this KC church on the Plaza for 35 years. Now he’s ‘banished’ from the pulpit
Image: Kansas City Star
Rev. Duke Tufty, who served as the senior minister at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City for 35 years, faces restrictions from officiating services after his retirement. The current minister, Rev. Anne Tabor, and the church board have denied Tufty the title of 'minister emeritus' and barred him from conducting memorials for congregants who requested him, leading to community outrage.
- 01Rev. Duke Tufty retired from Unity Temple on December 31, 2024, and claims he has been 'banished' from officiating services.
- 02The current minister, Rev. Anne Tabor, has denied Tufty the use of the title 'minister emeritus' and has prohibited him from conducting memorial services.
- 03Tufty has received requests from several families to officiate memorials, which Tabor has rejected, causing distress among congregants.
- 04Unity Temple's board maintains that decisions regarding Tufty’s role are consistent and have been communicated multiple times since his retirement.
- 05Congregants express disappointment over the church's handling of the situation, with some feeling alienated from Unity Temple.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City is embroiled in controversy surrounding Rev. Duke Tufty, who served as senior minister for 35 years until his retirement on December 31, 2024. Following his retirement, Tufty claims he has been 'banished' from officiating memorials, as the current minister, Rev. Anne Tabor, has denied him the title of 'minister emeritus' and barred him from conducting services requested by congregants. This has led to significant backlash from the community, with many expressing outrage on social media. Tufty insists he complied with church norms by refraining from attending for over a year post-retirement, yet he has been prevented from fulfilling requests from families who wish for him to officiate memorials. The church board asserts that their decisions are in line with governance protocols and have been communicated to Tufty. However, many congregants feel hurt and confused by the situation, leading to a growing divide within the church community.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The controversy has created a rift within the Unity Temple community, affecting relationships among congregants and their connection to the church.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the church's decision regarding Rev. Tufty?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.